While full memorial and burial customs have been the norm for centuries, the trend is now moving in the direction of Funeral Cremation, with or without a memorial service. There are a variety of reasons for this movement. A primary reason given is cost.

Disposition by fire brings horrible connotations to some. However, the embalming procedure also has unpleasant implications. It seems to be a matter of personal opinion as to which is preferable.

The most important thing to consider is the reputation of a funeral director to serve the family. It should go without question that the remains are treated with the utmost respect through all phases of the process. A memorial service can be held that is comparable to one held prior to an in-ground burial.

There is also the option of burying the cremains, which is the term for the cremated remains, in a cemetery plot. Another option is to keep the ashes in a funerary urn. Ashes may also be scattered over water or at a location selected by the deceased prior to death.

Depending on the wishes of the family, a church service, memorial service at the funeral home and a graveside service can still be held. In some cultures, the family will want to be present during the actual cremation. This can be accommodated in most cases.

There is a building, called a columbarium, that many cemeteries have. The building can be an indoor or outdoor construction with spaces to hold the cremains in their urns. Each person has a plaque which identifies him by name.

Alternatively, the ashes can be placed in an urn. If there are multiple family members, smaller urns can be purchased to each hold a portion of the cremains. In this way, all who want to keep a part of the loved one can have their wishes accommodated.

Many times, disagreements among family members can be avoided by Funeral Cremation and the use of multiple urns. After the process is completed, a memorial service and scattering or burial of the ashes can be held. If burial is chosen, the deceased will be placed in the family plot with those who preceded him in death.